The formalisms for knowledge representation and reasoning(KR&R) typically have a variety of semantics, each one having its particular application scenarios. However, the KR&Rcommunity cannot readily benefit from such a variety due toa lack of efficient solver technology. This is partly caused bythe fact that solver development is laborious and even accomplishing a working prototype can form a major effort.In this paper, we introduce a new framework that enables us todeclaratively specify a given semantics in second-order logicand to automatically generate a solver from that specification. Hence, KR&R researchers can rapidly develop a solverprototype for their new/existing semantics with a minimal effort. Technically, our framework builds on a recent approachfor nesting SAT solvers based on lazy clause generation.We evaluate our framework in the context of Dung’s argumentation frameworks, logic programming, and propositionallogic subject to standard and non-standard semantics. Weshow for each of those formalisms that one can easily specify its semantics using a few second-order sentences and thatone can effectively obtain a solver for that semantics usingour automated solver generation procedure.For instance, in the case of argumentation frameworks, weobtain 16 different solvers, each solving one of four inference tasks for one of four major argumentation semantics andshow that our solvers (slightly) outperform the best solverfrom the last system competition despite not being tuned forargumentation instances.

IBIS (Issue Based Information System) provides a widely adopted approach for knowledge representation especially suitable for the challenging task of representing wicked decision problems. While many tools for visualisation and collaborative development of IBIS graphs are available, automated decision support in this context is still underdeveloped, even though it would benefit several applications. QuAD (Quantitative Argumentation Debate) frameworks are a recently proposed IBIS-based formalism encompassing automated decision support by means of an algorithm for quantifying the strength of alternative decision options, based on aggregation of the strength of their attacking and supporting arguments. The initially proposed aggregation method, however, may give rise to discontinuities. In this paper we propose a novel, discontinuity-free algorithm for computing the strength of decision options in QuAD frameworks. We prove that this algorithm features several desirable properties and we compare the two aggregation methods, showing that both may be appropriate in the context of different application scenarios.

We provide new insights into the area of combining abstract argumentation frameworks with probabilistic reasoning. In particular, we consider the scenario when assessments on the probabilities of a subset of the arguments is given and the probabilities of the remaining arguments have to be derived, taking both the topology of the argumentation framework and principles of probabilistic reasoning into account. We generalize this scenario by also considering inconsistent assessments, i.e., assessments that contradict the topology of the argumentation framework. Building on approaches to inconsistency measurement, we present a general framework to measure the amount of conflict of these assessments and provide a method for inconsistent-tolerant reasoning.

Abstract argumentation frameworks (AFs) are one of the central formalisms in AI; equipped with a wide range of semantics, they have proven useful in several application domains. We contribute to the systematic analysis of semantics for AFs by connecting two recent lines of research -- the work on input/output frameworks and the study of the expressiveness of semantics. We do so by considering the following question: given a function describing an input/output behaviour by mapping extensions (resp. labellings) to sets of extensions (resp. labellings), is there an AF with designated input and output arguments realizing this function under a given semantics? For the major semantics we give exact characterizations of the functions which are realizable in this manner.

Formalizing dynamics of argumentation has received increasing attention over the last years. While AGM-like representation results for revision of argumentation frameworks (AFs) are now available, similar results for the problem of merging are still missing. In this paper, we close this gap and adapt model-based propositional belief merging to define extension-based merging operators for AFs. We state an axiomatic and a constructive characterization of merging operators through a family of rationality postulates and a representation theorem. Then we exhibit merging operators which satisfy the postulates. In contrast to the case of revision, we observe that obtaining a single framework as result of merging turns out to be a more subtle issue. Finally, we establish links between our new results and previous approaches to merging of AFs, which mainly relied on axioms from Social Choice Theory, but lacked AGM-like representation theorems.

A central question in knowledge representation is the following: given some knowledge representation formalism, is it possible, and if so how, to simplify parts of a knowledge base without affecting its meaning, even in the light of additional information? The term strong equivalence was coined in the literature, i.e. strongly equivalent knowledge bases can be locally replaced by each other in a bigger theory without changing the semantics of the latter. In contrast to classical (monotone) logics where standard and strong equivalence coincide, it is possible to find ordinary but not strongly equivalent objects for any nonmonotonic formalism available in the literature. This paper addresses these questions in the context of abstract argumentation theory. Much effort has been spent to characterize several argumentation tailored equivalence notions w.r.t. extension-based semantics. In recent times labelling-based semantics have received increasing attention, for example in connection with algorithms computing extensions, proof procedures, dialogue games, dynamics in argumentation as well as belief revision in general. Of course, equivalence notions allowing for replacements are of high interest for the mentioned topics. In this paper we provide kernel-based characterization theorems for semantics based on complete labellings as well as admissible labellings w.r.t. eight different equivalence notions including the aforementioned most prominent one, namely strong equivalence.

In almost all existing semantics in argumentation, a strong attack has a lethal effect on its target that a set of several weak attacks may not have. This paper investigates the case where several weak attacks may compensate one strong attack. It defines a broad class of ranking semantics, called alpha-OBBS, which satisfy compensation. alpha-OBBS assign a burden number to each argument and order the arguments with respect to those numbers. We study formal properties of alpha-OBBS, implement an algorithm that calculates the ranking, and perform experiments that show that the approach computes the ranking very quickly. Moreover, an approximation of the ranking can be provided at any time.

An argument is a reason or justification of a claim. It has an intrinsic strength and may be attacked by other arguments. Hence, the evaluation of its overall strength becomes mandatory, especially for judging the reliability of its claim. Such an evaluation is done by acceptability semantics. The aim of this paper is to set up the foundations of acceptability semantics. Foundations are important not only for a better understanding of the evaluation process in general, but also for clarifying the basic assumptions underlying semantics, for comparing different (families of) semantics and identifying families of semantics that have not been explored yet. The paper defines the building blocks of a semantics. It introduces key concepts and principles on which an evaluation is based. Each concept (principle) is described by an axiom. We investigate properties of semantics that satisfy the axioms, show the foundations of the two crucial notions of reinstatement and defence, and analyse some existing semantics against the axioms.

Most research into Swarm Intelligence explores swarms of autonomous robots or simulated agents. Little work, however, has been done on swarms of networked humans. This paper introduces UNU, an online platform that enables networked users to assemble in real-time swarms and tackle problems as an Artificial Swarm Intelligence (ASI). Modeled after biological swarms, UNU enables large groups of networked users to work together in real-time synchrony, forging a unified dynamic system that can quickly answer questions and make decisions. Early testing suggests that human swarming has significant potential for harnessing the Collective Intelligence (CI) of online groups, often exceeding the natural abilities of individual participants.

We demonstrate a system for predicting gaming related properties from Twitter accounts. Our system predicts various traits of users based on the tweets publicly available in their profiles. Such inferred traits include degrees of tech-savviness and knowledge on computer games, actual gaming performance, preferred platform, degree of originality, humor and influence on others. Our system is based on machine learning models trained on crowd-sourced data. It allows people to select Twitter accounts of their fellow gamers, examine the trait predictions made by our system, and the main drivers of these predictions. We present empirical results on the performance of our system based on its accuracy on our crowd-sourced dataset.